Cross-sectional analysis of 2001 California Health Interview Survey data. Logistic regression was used to assess the independent contribution of race/ethnicity to the use of Pap smears.
Hispanic (aPR = 1.03, 95 % CI 1.02–1.05) and Black (aPR = 1.03, 95 % CI 1.001–1.06) women are more likely to report a Pap smear in the past 3 years as compared to White women. Asians were the least likely to report cervical cancer screening despite a more favorable sociodemographic profile. Screening rates varied among Hispanic or Asian subgroups; Mexicans, Vietnamese, Chinese, and South Asians are particularly underserved.
In contrast to the country as a whole, Hispanic women in California are more likely to report a recent Pap smear as compared to White women. However, racial/ethnic disparities in Pap smear use persist; Asian women are the least likely to report cervical cancer screening as compared to any other group.